The President and first lady will not visit the ailing 94-year-old former President in accordance with the Mandela family’s wishes.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are meeting privately with the family of Nelson Mandela.

The meeting is taking place at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, which is part of the former South African President’s foundation.

The White House didn’t say which Mandela family members the Obamas are meeting with.

The President and first lady will not meet with the ailing 94-year-old Mr. Mandela, who is hospitalised with a lung infection. The White House says that decision was made in accordance with the Mandela family’s wishes.

Earlier, Mr. Obama, at a joint news conference with South African President Jacob Zuma in Pretoria, said Mr. Mandela continues to shine as a beacon of the power of principle and standing up for what’s right.

Mr. Obama said South Africa’s transition from apartheid to a free nation has been a personal inspiration and an inspiration to the world.